New Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrives

Mercedes-Benz have today launched their new C-Class, a model range that accounts for one in every five of their cars sold here, writes Trish Whelan.

The new C-Class can now be seen in dealer showrooms.

When fully available here, the line-up will consist of four petrol engine and five diesel engine versions with entry prices beginning at €37,750 (ex-works) for petrol models and €37950 for diesel models. Petrol versions will include the C180, C200, C250 and C300 models. Diesel versions will be the C180, C200, C220, C250 BlueTEC and a C300 diesel hybrid.

First to arrive is a C220 CDI diesel 2.2, 170bhp version at €43,300 whose many features include a 0.24 Cd value, 103g/km C02, 4.0L/100kms fuel consumption and €190 road tax.

With it come two petrol-powered versions - a C180 1.6, 156bhp model at €37,750 with 116g/km C02 and 5.0 L/100km and annual road tax of €200; and a C200 2.0 184bhp version at €39,500 whose equivalent features are 123g/km C02, 5.3 L/100km fuel consumption and annual road tax of €270. The remainder of the models, including a C300 Hybrid, arrive in September.

Three design and equipment lines are offered - an Avantgarde version with grille-inset star aimed at younger buyers; an Exclusive version with a distinctive bonnet-mounted standing star aimed at the more conventional buyer; and an AMG line aimed at the sporty buyer.

Transmission is 6-speed manual or 7G automatic. Permanent all-wheel drive is also available.

More details later today.